FOLS is a tertiary NHS service commissioned by the Provider Collaborative, which has teams in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The teams support patients to transition from secure inpatient settings to the community with a focus on recovery. This includes supporting with accommodation needs, finding employment or volunteering opportunities.
In the last couple of years, FOLS has seen a significant rise in neurodivergence, particularly autism, in patients. In response, specialist staff are being recruited into each of the three teams to support people with a learning disability or autism.
The service is also experiencing delays in transferring patients from FOLS to secondary community services due to staff not feeling skilled to support individuals with complex risk profiles and who need to be more robustly managed through intensive support and supervision.
Community mental health services for adults have been subject to a national transformation programme, which has already been rolled out in Kent and is currently being rolled out in Surrey and Sussex. As the changes take effect, the FOLS team will work with the secondary community teams to understand their needs and consider what support they can provide, for example, training to help skill-up staff and ensure that people can be safely supported in their ongoing recovery.
Over the past year in Kent, Surrey and Sussex there has been a reduction in the number of people who have been under the care of FOLS being recalled to prison and secure or non-secure hospitals. This positive trend is attributed to the relational focus and the comprehensive support provided by the teams.
Damien Kealey, Senior Forensic Pathways Manager for the Provider Collaborative, said: "Having structure and purpose in your life, such as employment or volunteering, are known factors for reducing re-offending."
